Out & About

Getting out and about

#BesideYou understands that breastfeeding out and about isn’t always easy. Some people are happy breastfeeding in public from day one. For others, it takes a little longer. When you first start breastfeeding, as when you first start any new skill, you may prefer to do it at home.

Once you and your baby are more confident and comfortable breastfeeding you may be ready to breastfeed in front of others and out and about. Most people don’t notice when mums are breastfeeding their babies as it often simply looks like they are holding them. Those who do notice are likely to react positively or not even react at all as it is normal to them.

The first few times you breastfeed in public you may feel more comfortable if you’re with a partner, your mum or dad, a friend or family member. You may also feel more comfortable breastfeeding with another breastfeeding mum who can be on hand with advice and support. Breastfeeding groups are a great place to meet friends.

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No Widgets

Breastfeed Anywhere

You can legally breastfeed anywhere. There are, of course, some places that you will prefer. They may offer comfortable seating, have friendly staff or a breastfeeding area for those who prefer privacy. The map allows you to easily find Children’s Centres in Medway, Breastfeeding Group locations and venues that have been recommended by Mums in Medway through our Facebook Page.

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Recommend a venue

If you know a cafe, restaurant, leisure centre, shop or any other venue that really goes the extra mile when it comes to making breastfeeding mums feel comfortable, please let us know. Share your recommendations, and pictures if you have any, on our Facebook Page, and tell us why they’re #BesideYou.

Clothing and Covers

You don’t need any special clothes or equipment to breastfeed. However, here are some suggestions which may help breastfeeding mums feel more comfortable.

Bras:

A well fitting nursing bra, or bra without underwire, may make it easier to breastfeed. You may wish to wear breast pads in the early days as there may be some leakage.

Clothes:

Most mums find that their maternity clothes and many of their regular clothes are comfortable and easy to breastfeed in. Some mums like to wear strappy camisoles, or vest tops, under their looser fitting top layer. That way they can lift up the top layer to cover the upper part of the breast and pull down the bottom layer to cover their tummies.

Scarves and cloths:

Some mums may choose to use a scarf or cloth to cover themselves when breastfeeding. This may be for added privacy or to reduce distractions for the baby so they can focus on breastfeeding.

Your rights

The Equality Act 2010:

It’s important to know that mums can legally breastfeed anywhere they like. The Equality Act of 2010, which protects people from discrimination at work and in the community, protects a woman’s right to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding in public:

It is illegal for someone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place such as buses, cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops.

A business must ensure that breastfeeding mothers, and people with breastfeeding mums, are not discriminated against by the business or the staff. Staff should be trained to be aware of the protection from discrimination that breastfeeding mums have.

A business may be responsible for discriminatory actions of other customers if they have been called to the attention of the business and they have failed to act.

A business does not have to provide separate breastfeeding areas. If you want privacy please don’t feel you have to breastfeed in secret. Many venues have nice breastfeeding areas for those who want them (please recommend these on our Facebook Page). Please do not feel that you have to breastfeed in public loos, it’s not the nicest place for babies to eat. It can also leave you feeling isolated. If you want additional breastfeeding support, please visit our Get Support page.

An employer must provide somewhere for a breastfeeding woman to rest and lie down.

However, an employer doesn’t have to grant paid breaks to breastfeed or express breast milk or provide suitable storage.

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